Bay County Court Records Search

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    Bay County is located in the east-central portion of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, with its county seat in Bay City. The county’s judicial system includes a trial court of general jurisdiction, a limited-jurisdiction district court, and a probate court — all housed within the Bay County Court Facility on Washington Avenue. These courts generate case files spanning felonies, civil disputes, family law proceedings, traffic violations, probate estates, and more. The Bay County Clerk’s office, a separate entity from the court clerks, manages vital records and serves additional administrative functions from a nearby location on Center Avenue.

    Residents and researchers in Michigan who need to locate court case records can begin with the official resources maintained by each court’s clerk office, online case-search tools, and public-access terminals at the courthouse. The statewide MiCOURT Case Search portal operated by the Michigan judiciary allows the public to look up civil, criminal, traffic, domestic, and probate cases across participating courts. MichiganCourts.us may also help users identify court locations and available resources. In Bay County specifically, the courts maintain their own local online case-lookup systems in addition to the statewide platform.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Bay County?

    Bay County operates three courts, all located in the Bay County Court Facility at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708. Court staff across all divisions are available by phone Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    18th Judicial Circuit Court
    Address: 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 725, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4265
    Fax: (989) 895-4099

    74th District Court
    Address: 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 736, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4232
    Fax: (989) 895-4233

    Bay County Probate Court
    Address: 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 715, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4205
    Fax: (989) 895-4194

    The Bay County Courts website serves as a centralized starting point and provides links to live-streaming court sessions, docket lookups, and payment portals for all three courts. To search for a specific case, users have several options:

    1. Online case search (local): The county maintains an online case lookup tool where users can search by last name, first name, case number, or court type (District or Circuit). This system shows case status, jurist assignment, and petition details.
    2. MiCOURT (statewide): The MiCOURT Case Search portal covers civil, traffic, criminal, domestic, and probate cases filed in Michigan courts. Users can search by name, case number, or calendar date.
    3. In-person requests: Visit the clerk’s window for the appropriate court division at 1230 Washington Avenue during business hours. Bring as much identifying information as possible — party names, case numbers, and approximate filing dates.
    4. Mail requests: Send a written request with the relevant case details and payment (check or money order) to the appropriate court division at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708.
    5. Court Records Request page: Bay County publishes a Court Records Request page that distinguishes between public case documents (which are requested directly from the court clerk) and other county records subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Public documents filed in a case are not subject to FOIA and must be requested through the court clerk, not through the county’s FOIA portal.

    Court forms for various proceedings can be found through the Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) forms page.

    Are Court Records Public in Bay County?

    Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) establishes a broad right of public access to government records. Court records, however, occupy a distinct category. Public documents that have been filed in a court case — complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and similar filings — are generally accessible to any member of the public through the court clerk’s office. These documents are not processed through the county’s general FOIA request system; instead, they are obtained directly from the clerk of the court where the case was filed.

    Certain categories of records are restricted or sealed under Michigan law or court rule:

    • Juvenile delinquency and child protective proceedings — These files are confidential and not available to the general public. Informal proceedings (consent calendar and diversion cases) create no public record.
    • Adoption records — Sealed by statute. Post-adoption information is available only to qualifying individuals (adult adoptees, biological parents, adult biological siblings, or adoptive parents) through a petition process.
    • Records sealed by court order — A judge may seal individual case files or specific documents for cause.
    • Personal protection order (PPO) files — While the order itself may be public, related documentation can contain restricted information.
    • Birth certificates — Though maintained by the County Clerk rather than the courts, birth records are not public and are available only to the named individual, parents, legal guardians, or authorized legal representatives.

    Copy fees for court records are typically $1.00 per page. A valid photo ID may be required when requesting records that contain sensitive personal information. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card in person. Effective June 1, 2026, credit card convenience fees for criminal fee payments at the courthouse will be passed on to the customer.

    Bay County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Bay County are divided between two courts based on offense severity. The 18th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions and certain serious misdemeanors, while the 74th District Court processes misdemeanors, traffic offenses, ordinance violations, and conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases. The District Court’s criminal jurisdiction encompasses all of Bay County.

    Types of criminal records available through the courts include:

    • Arraignment and charging documents
    • Docket entries and hearing schedules
    • Plea and trial records
    • Sentencing orders and judgments
    • Probation records (limited access)

    How to search for criminal case records:

    • Online: Use the Bay County Courts case lookup to search criminal cases by name or case number, selecting “District” or “Circuit” as appropriate. The MiCOURT Case Search also includes criminal case data.
    • In person: Walk-in requests are accepted at the Circuit Court clerk (Suite 725) or District Court clerk (Suite 736) during regular business hours. Walk-in arraignments are held Tuesday and Thursday mornings; check in at the 74th District Court Criminal Records window by 9:30 a.m.
    • By mail: Direct written requests to the appropriate court at 1230 Washington Avenue, Bay City, MI 48708, with case identifying details and payment.

    Juvenile criminal records are handled by the Family Court – Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court. These records are confidential. Individuals aged 18 or older may petition to set aside juvenile adjudications using Form JC66 – Application to Set Aside Adjudication(s), subject to eligibility requirements including no adult felony convictions and no more than three juvenile adjudications (with no more than one felony). Contact the Juvenile Court at (989) 895-4206, Option 4, for details.

    Bay County Sheriff’s Office – Records Division

    The Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and accident reports separately from the court system.

    Bay County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 503 Third Street, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4050
    Fax: (989) 895-4007

    The Records Division provides closed incident and accident reports for a fee of $22.00 per report. Accident reports may also be obtained online through AuthorizeTransaction.com. It is advisable to call the Records Division first to confirm report availability.

    Bay County Civil Court Records

    Civil disputes in Bay County are allocated between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The 18th Judicial Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all civil actions involving more than $25,000, as well as appeals from administrative agencies and lower courts. The 74th District Court handles civil claims of $25,000 or less, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and land-contract forfeitures.

    Common civil record types include:

    • Complaints and answers
    • Motions and court orders
    • Judgments and settlements
    • Small claims filings and decisions
    • Landlord-tenant proceedings
    • Civil infractions

    Searching and requesting civil records:

    Civil case records from both courts can be searched online through the Bay County case search tool, which covers both District and Circuit Court cases. The statewide MiCOURT portal is another option for locating docket information. In-person requests are accepted at the relevant court clerk’s office at 1230 Washington Avenue during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Standard copy fees apply at $1.00 per page.

    For civil filings, the SCAO provides standardized forms. The Michigan Legal Help website at michiganlegalhelp.org offers free tools and information to help individuals understand and manage civil legal matters without an attorney.

    Property records, which sometimes relate to civil litigation, are maintained by the Bay County Equalization Department. Parcel ownership, land descriptions, and assessment data can be searched through the BS&A Online portal or by contacting the Equalization Department directly.

    Bay County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Bay County are handled by the Family Division of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. This division addresses divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and personal protection orders. The Friend of the Court office operates as an arm of the Circuit Court in cases involving minor children, making recommendations to the judge on custody, parenting time, and support matters.

    Friend of the Court
    Address: 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 660, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4295
    Fax: (989) 895-4220
    Email: focstaff@baycountymi.gov
    Mail: P.O. Box 856, Bay City, MI 48707

    Parties involved in Friend of the Court cases can access their case information 24/7 through the MiChildSupport online portal, which provides payment history reports at no cost. Support payments can also be made through the court’s online payment portal. For questions about specific cases, the FOC encourages contacting the office by phone, email, fax, or through the online contact form.

    Adoption records fall under the Probate & Family Court division. Bay County processes direct-placement, agency, adult, stepparent, and relative adoptions. Key fees for adoption proceedings include:

    ServiceFee
    Initial filing fee$175.00
    Adult adoption investigation$100.00
    Step-parent/guardian/relative adoption investigation$200.00
    Motion fee$20.00
    Order fee$10.00
    Vital record fee (change of birth certificate, Michigan births)$50.00
    Record copy fee$1.00 per page

    Adoption files are sealed. To obtain a certified copy of an Order of Adoption, file the notarized Petition for Adoption Information and Order (PCA 327) and the $11.00 filing fee payable to Bay County Juvenile Court. Non-identifying information from closed adoption files may be requested for a $25.00 fee with a photo ID.

    Marriage and Divorce Records

    Marriage licenses in Bay County are issued by the County Clerk’s office. Application fees are $20.00 for Michigan residents and $30.00 for out-of-state residents. A three-day waiting period applies after the application is submitted; it may be waived for $100.00 with a valid reason. Applications can be started through the online marriage application portal.

    Certified copies of marriage records (on file from 1857 forward) are available to anyone, as marriage licenses are public records. The fee is $15.00 for the first copy and $5.00 for each additional copy. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail using the Vital Records Request Form, or online through VitalChek.

    Bay County Clerk (Vital Records)
    Address: 515 Center Avenue, Suite 101, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4280
    Fax: (989) 895-4284
    Email: baycountyclerk@baycountymi.gov
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (walk-ins accepted until 4:30 p.m.)

    Birth and death certificates follow the same fee structure ($15.00 first copy, $5.00 additional). Death certificates are public records available to anyone. Birth certificates are restricted to the named individual, parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives, and require valid photo identification. Bay County residents aged 60 and over may obtain birth certificates at no charge when requesting in person.

    Bay County Probate Court Records

    The Bay County Probate Court has jurisdiction over decedents’ estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and registration of foreign births. The Probate Judge also presides over the Family Court – Juvenile Division. The court is located in Suite 715 of the Bay County Court Facility.

    Bay County Probate Court
    Address: 1230 Washington Avenue, Suite 715, Bay City, MI 48708
    Phone: (989) 895-4205
    Fax: (989) 895-4194

    Estate proceedings may be initiated formally or informally. Both require a $175.00 filing fee. Key required forms for formal proceedings include the Petition for Probate (PC559), Testimony to Identify Heirs (PC565), Acceptance of Appointment (PC571), and Letters of Authority (PC572), among others. Informal proceedings use the Application for Informal Probate (PC558) and related forms. Michigan Court Rule 5.302 requires that both a redacted and an unredacted copy of the death certificate be filed with the initial pleadings.

    Small estates — those valued at $50,000 or less (per Michigan statute) — follow a simplified procedure. The Petition and Order for Assignment (PC 556) is the primary form. Fees for small estates include:

    • Filing fee: $25.00
    • Certified copy fee: $13.00
    • Inventory fee: varies based on asset value

    Only an heir or an individual who paid the funeral bill may file a small-estate petition. Required supporting documentation includes a copy of the death certificate, an itemized funeral bill (paid or unpaid), and verification of asset values as of the date of death.

    Guardianships and conservatorships may be initiated for adults or minors through the Probate Court. A guardian has authority over the personal well-being of the ward, while a conservator manages the ward’s financial assets. The court is prohibited by law from providing legal advice or completing forms (per Section 1211 of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code). Concerns about the welfare of a vulnerable individual should be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at (855) 444-3911.

    Probate case records are generally public and can be searched through the Bay County case lookup system or the MiCOURT portal. In-person requests are accepted at the Probate Court clerk’s office during regular business hours. Copy fees are $1.00 per page. Records involving adoptions, certain mental health proceedings, and sealed files are not available to the general public.